International cooperative research

Area of Science:

• International scientific research
• Cancer control and prevention
• Global health initiatives

Background:

• Established in 1984 as part of Japan's Comprehensive 10-Year Strategy for Cancer Control.
• Evolved from the International Scientific Research Program under the Monbusho (Ministry of Education, Science and Culture).
• Successfully concluded its first phase in 1993, leading to a Second 10-Year Program in 1994.

Purpose of the Study:

• To promote international scientific exchange and collaboration in cancer research.
• To address key areas of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• To track and expand global participation in cancer research projects.

Main Methods:

• Facilitating exchanges of scientific information among advanced countries.
• Supporting research on viruses, parasites, and environmental factors in carcinogenesis.
• Conducting migrant studies and investigating the etiology of specific cancers.

Main Results:

• Initiated with 12 projects and 18 collaborating countries in 1984.
• Grew to 27 projects and 30 collaborating countries by 1995.
• Cumulative data (1984-1995) shows 216 projects (62 actual) and 57 collaborating countries.

Conclusions:

• The Special Cancer Research Program demonstrated significant growth in international participation and project scope.
• The program successfully facilitated collaborative research across diverse cancer-related fields.
• It laid a foundation for continued international efforts in cancer control and research.